Human Subjects Educational Training Program

The University of Massachusetts Medical School has chosen the Collaborative IRB Training Initiative (CITI)program as the vehicle for ensuring comprehensive education in bioethics and human subjects protection. The CITI program is a 13 module program created by ‘IRB experts’ and is used by many academic health centers across the country. Housed and managed by the University of Miami, the CITI program offers many advantages, including the depth and breadth of information, its case-based application of ethical concepts and its continual attention to updating information contained in the modules. The complete set of modules may take up to 4 hours to complete, but do not have to be completed at one sitting.

A Few Reminders

When you register for the initial CITI program on line, you will be asked to select a course. Select the "Biomedical Investigator Course " learner Group 1. Do Not select the social & behavioral investigator course or the IRB Reference Resource Course.

Starting April 1, 2010, all new clinical investigators and their key personnel will be required to successfully complete the UMass-designated Biomedical Group I CITI program before a new submission is approved by the IRB.  In addition, all current and new clinical researchers and key personnel will be required to 'recertify' through CITI's case-based modules every three (3) years.

For those researchers and support staff who have been previously granted approval of a non-CITI program (e.g., UMass exam, NIH modules or other academic program) for fulfillment of their human subjects education obligation, completion of the CITI Biomedical Group I program will be required by October 1, 2010.  This 6 month window should allow researchers and key personnel the time and opportunity to fulfill this obligation.

You do not need to complete the entire exam at one sitting…you may break up the modules and reenter the program as many times as you like to complete. Read instructions carefully - while you can enter and exit at will, if you log off in the middle of a 'quiz,' you will have to restart that particular quiz from the beginning.

Of the 17 topic-focused modules, 13 are mandatory and are noted as such for our site. Passing grade is 80%.

CME/CEUs are available through the University of Miami after your successful completion (6 credit hours). The cost is $60. and instructions are available through the CITI website.

Click here to enter the CITI program website.

Please send questions or comments about this new human subjects requirement to Danielle Pichette in the Research Subjects Office or call 508-856-4271.

Thank you.